Pontón de la Oliva Badlands

The Pontón de la Oliva Badlands are a spectacular erosion landscape next to the dam of the same name, on the border between Madrid and Guadalajara. Water and wind erosion has carved ravines, ridges and pinnacles in the clay that resemble a lunar landscape or the American West — but just 1 hour from Madrid.

The most popular route starts from the Pontón de la Oliva car park (a 19th-century dam from the Canal de Isabel II) and winds through the badlands on unmarked but well-trodden paths. The contrast between the eroded white clay, green vegetation and the blue of the El Atazar reservoir in the background creates a photogenic landscape unique in the Madrid region.

The area is next to Patones de Arriba (a charming village) and the Pontón de la Oliva dam, a visitable 19th-century engineering work. The badlands route can be combined with a visit to Patones and swimming in the Lozoya river pools.

No facilities in the area — bring water, hiking shoes and sun protection. The clay terrain is slippery when wet.